Refugees have a right to a fair asylum procedure, and subsequently access to adequate housing, education, health care and work. The Dutch Council for Refugees is an independent, non-governmental organization that defends those rights.

With 13,000 volunteers and a few hundred paid employees we offer refugees practical support during their asylum procedure and their integration in the Dutch society. In addition, the council provides members of the Parliament with information concerning refugee issues and policy and we carry an active lobby for refugee rights. Another important part of the organization's work is to supply information and advice to asylum lawyers. The dutch council also develops various projects to promote the integration of refugees in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the organization is committed to increasing public support for refugees.